NAWCC Watch and Clock Podcast

In this podcast, we interview Mark Frank who, 12 years ago, commissioned a complex astronomical skeleton clock to be built by Buchanan of Chelmsford, a brilliant engineer in Australia. Frank describes the clock as being "born of a happy convergence of artist and artisan, exuberant creativity, and exquisite craftsmanship." Now that the clock is completed, Frank reflects on the creative process, collaboration, and building of the clock along with the many challenges and discoveries on the way to its completion.

In this podcast, we discuss the first U.S. chess master, Paul Morphy, and the pocket watch he received after his triumphant return to the U.S. after defeating Europe's greatest players. We interview chess historian Lucas Anderson about the fascinating life and chess of Morphy. We also chat with Roland Murphy, watchmaker and owner of RGM Watch Co., about the wristwatch he made that was inspired by the dial of Morphy's watch, which is now part of the collection at the National Watch & Clock Museum.

In this episode, we discuss the Engle Clock, its fascinating history, and Stephen Engle, the little-known genius who created it. We talk with Bill Zell, Museum docent and Engle Clock historian, and Tom Bartels, former Executive Director of the NAWCC, who was responsible for the clock's acquisition and restoration at the National Watch & Clock Museum.

With special guest and NAWCC Symposium Chair, Bob Frishman, we discuss horology during the 18th Century Colonial Era of the United States and the story of the talented British spy, John André, and how his golden pocket watch betrayed his attempt to thwart the American Revolution.

In this episode, we cover updates from California Chapters and interview Ju Ping Song, founder of the NakedEye Ensemble. On June 9th, 2018, Song led the premiere of Time's Illusion, Stories in Sound, a collaborative commissioned concert in partnership with The National Watch and Clock Museum, New Music USA, and Rivertownes, PA USA. The performance was held at the National Watch & Clock Museum consisting of six composed pieces of music, each written by a different artist, using recorded live sounds from the timepieces in the museum, electro-acoustic instruments, video, text, and narration.